BMW has upgraded its compact 2 Series range in a model year refresh bringing tech improvements and cosmetic changes across the line-up, including new paint colours, redesigned alloy wheels, steering wheels and interior trims.
All 2 Series models feature a revised cockpit including the latest ‘8.5’ generation version of the German maker’s ‘iDrive’ (with QuickSelect) multimedia operating system.
BMW Australia says it will maintain a two-grade line-up of mainstream 2 Series models; the four-cylinder turbo–petrol 230i (190kW/400Nm) and top-spec turbo-petrol inline six-cylinder M240i xDrive (285kW/500Nm).
At the same time BMW’s pocket performance rocket, the M2, has been given a close to five per cent power boost, nearly 10 per cent more torque and engineering updates to sharpen throttle response.
Now pumping out no less than 353kW (473hp) and 600Nm the 3.0L inline six-cylinder M2 is claimed to blast from 0-100km/h in a properly rapid 4.2 seconds (4.0sec for the auto), a full tenth of a second quicker than its predecessor. And for track day fans, 0-200km/h comes up in 12.9 seconds for the auto and 13.7 sec for the six-speed manual. More than half a second faster than the out-going car.
The M Sport Package, standard on both mainstream 2 Series models, has been tweaked with the rear apron finished in body colour (rather than black) and the diffuser insert now high-gloss black. New 19-inch ‘double-spoke’ alloy wheels are available in ‘Jetblack’ or ‘Bicolour’.
The ‘entry’ 230i has picked up synthetic leather sports seats as standard, while the M240i xDrive boasts Vernasca leather trim and its own exterior cosmetic upgrades including high-gloss black mirror caps and an M badge in the lower part of the front air intake.
Two new colours – ‘Fire Red’ and ‘Skyscraper Grey’ have been added to the 2 Series palette, with ‘Zandvoort Blue’ plucked from the M2 catalogue and made available on the M240i. The M2 adds ‘Sao Paulo Yellow’ and ‘Portimao Blue’ metallic.
New control knobs for the vents in the centre of the dash are joined by interior ambient lighting with a ‘waterfall’ mode. Brushed aluminium and carbon-fibre interior trim elements are also available.
BMW says it will confirm local pricing closer to the new 2 Series’ Australian launch in the fourth quarter of this year.